Objective:
Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) announces call for proposals for the new scheme called J. C. Bose Grant, a restructured form of the J. C. Bose Fellowship running under erstwhile Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB). The J. C. Bose Grant is meant to recognize active, senior scientists and engineers within our country for their outstanding performance and contributions.
The prestigious J. C. Bose Grant is individual-specific, very selective and encourages senior level researchers for extra-mural funding to further enhance their research in frontline avenues. The nominations for senior scientists and engineers working with Indian institutions/universities could be submitted through the online portal of ANRF.
Eligibility:
The aspirants should be an active and senior scientist/engineer with a record of outstanding performance through indicators like publications, research outcomes, patents, technology transfers, awards, grants etc. in all science and engineering domains (including agriculture, medicine and humanities and social sciences at the interface of science and technology.). The nominee should be an Indian national working in Institutions/Universities in India at a senior level.
Nomination:
The nominations can be sent by the Heads of the Institutions/Universities, Presidents of National Science Academies.
Selection:
The process of selection for J. C. Bose grants will be conducted once a year by a Search-cum-Selection Committee specially constituted for the purpose and as per the broad guidelines of the grant.
Nature & Duration:
The research grant of Rs. 25 lakhs annually will be provided under two budget heads: A) Recurring Head (covering Manpower, Consumables, travel, contingency and other costs) and B) Non-recurring Head (Equipment) up to 20% of the annual grant. Additionally, Rs. 1.0 lakh annually (fixed) will also be provided as "Overheads" to the implementing institution.
The duration of the grant will be for five years. In case, the principal investigator (PI) superannuates during the term of the grant, the same can be continued if a host institution is willing to continue hosting the PI. The grant can be availed up to 68 years of age.
For successful online submission of the application the following may be noted:
The Call for nominations for the J. C. Bose grant will be notified through the website "www.anrfonline.in". The nominations along with other requisite details of the nominee highlighting the credentials and research work to be undertaken should be submitted only through the website "www.anrfonline.in".
Q1. For whom the J. C. Bose Grant is meant for?
A1: The J. C. Bose Grant is meant to recognize active and senior scientists/engineers for their outstanding performance. The grant is individual-specific and very selective.
Q2: What are the eligibility criteria for applying/availing J. C. Bose Grant?
A2: The PI should be an active scientist/engineer with a record of outstanding performance apparent from publications, patents, technology transfers, awards, notable research outcomes etc. The nominee should be an Indian national working in institutions in India at the time of nomination to this grant.
Q3: What are the areas covered under J. C. Bose Grant?
A3: All Areas of Science and Technology (in the broadest terms) are covered by this Grant including Humanities and Social Sciences at the interface of Science and Technology.
Q4:What is the nature of support for the J. C. Bose Grant?
A4: The J. C. Bose grantee will receive a Research Grant of Rs. 25.00 Lakh per annum [(A) Recurring Head (covering Manpower, Consumables, travel, contingency and other costs) and (B) Non-recurring Head (Equipment) up to 20% of the annual grant]. Additionally, Rs.1.00 Lakh is provided as Overheads for the host institute.
Q5: Are past J. C. Bose fellows of erstwhile SERB eligible?
A5: Yes, they are eligible.
Q6: What is the upper age limit up to which the J. C. Bose Grant can be availed? Can a PI avail both J. C. Bose and Advanced Research Grant (ARG) together?
A6: 68 years. No, at a time either J. C. Bose or ARG could be availed by a PI. Unlike ARG scheme, there is no provision for Co-PIs under the J. C. Bose grant.
Q7: Can the J. C. Bose grantee continue the grant after superannuation?
A7: The J. C. Bose grant can be continued after superannuation provided a host institution is willing to host the PI and provide all necessary infrastructure and administrative support.
Q8: When can a person apply for the J. C. Bose grant? What is the last date of acceptance of the application?
A8: The nominations for the J. C. Bose grant are based on announcement of the call. For the present year, the last date of acceptance nominations is 31 March 2025.
Q9: Who can nominate for J. C. Bose Grants?
A9: Heads of Institutions/Universities, Presidents of Science Academies can send the nominations.
Q10: What is the duration of the J. C. Bose Grant?
A10: The J. C. Bose Grant duration is 5 years.
Q11: How/When can the individual start his/her J. C. Bose Grant?
A11: A letter is sent by the ANRF to the Individual as well as to the host Institute informing the award of J. C. Bose Grant. On receipt of this offer letter, the Individual has to send acceptance letter indicating the month when he/she wants to start the grant, and then the Institute will forward the acceptance letter to the ANRF. Based on this letter, ANRF will process for necessary approvals and a Sanction Order will be issued to the host institute (with a copy to the J. C. Bose awardee). The start date of the grant will be the date of receipt of amount at host institute.
Q12: How does a J. C. Bose Grantee get his/her subsequent Grant?
A12: The Grant for the subsequent years is released after receiving Statement of Expenditure (SE) and Utilization Certificate (UC) along with progress report through the online portal (www.anrfonline.in). The SE and UC are to be submitted financial year wise i.e. from 01st April to 31st March. For the first year it would be from the Date of Start (DOS) to 31st March and subsequently from 01st April to 31st March.
Q13: Can a PI change the host institute during implementation of J. C. Bose Grant?
A13: J. C. Bose grantee can change the host institute during implementation of the grant. He/She has to forward NOCs from both the Institutes along with final financial papers indicating balance unspent grant from the old institute and endorsement certificate (format available on ANRF website) and appointment letter/offer letter from the new institute.